Background

Qala't Bu Mahir: Gateway to Bahrain's Pearling Past

Explore Qala't Bu Mahir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key part of Bahrain's pearling history, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the past.

4.2

Qala't Bu Mahir, also known as Bu Maher Fort, is a historic fort in Muharraq, Bahrain, marking the start of the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1840, it played a crucial role in Bahrain's pearling industry. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into Bahrain's rich history and stunning views of the Manama skyline.

A brief summary to Qala't Bu Mahir

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on days other than Tuesdays, as Qala't Bu Mahir is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Stop by the Bahrain National Museum before visiting to gain context about the area's history.
  • Capture stunning photos during sunset overlooking the Manama city skyline.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Boat

    A scenic way to reach Qala't Bu Mahir is by boat from the Bahrain National Museum in Manama. The boat trip offers a unique perspective of the island and its coastline. The boat service typically operates daily (except Tuesdays) between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. A return trip costs approximately 1-2 BHD.

  • Taxi

    From Muharraq city center, a taxi ride to Qala't Bu Mahir is a short and convenient option. Taxis are readily available. The estimated fare for a 5km ride is around 7-9 BHD. Ride-hailing apps are also available.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Qala't Bu Mahir from Manama, you can take a bus. Bahrain Transportation operates a bus from Sh Isa Ave-2 in Manama to Al Muharraq every 20 minutes. The ticket costs $1, and the journey takes approximately 25 minutes. From the Al Muharraq bus terminal, you can take a taxi or walk to Qala't Bu Mahir.

Unlock the Best of Qala't Bu Mahir

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Qala't Bu Mahir

Qala't Bu Mahir, or Bu Maher Fort, stands as a poignant reminder of Bahrain's pearling history. Located on the southern tip of Muharraq Island, this historical landmark marks the starting point of the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Path weaves through the old city, connecting significant buildings and sites related to the island's pearling past. Originally constructed in 1840, though its origins trace back to a 16th-century Portuguese fortification, Qala't Bu Mahir played a crucial role in safeguarding Muharraq's pearling industry. Its strategic location allowed it to defend the narrow channel southeast of Muharraq, protecting the pearling fleet from pirates and other aggressors during the diving season. The fort also protected Muharraq's principal water supply, a freshwater source located in the sea. In 1868, British naval forces destroyed parts of the fort, diminishing its defensive role. However, it continued to hold importance for the pearling community, serving as a vantage point for spectators during the departure and arrival festivals of the pearling fleet. Today, only the southern tower and its attached defensive wing remain, offering visitors a glimpse into the fort's original grandeur. Excavated archaeological remains reveal the foundations of the north-western and south-eastern towers, as well as the northern wall, allowing visitors to imagine the fort's former scale. Visitors can explore historical exhibits related to pearling and enjoy scenic views of Manama's skyline. The fort is easily accessible via a scenic boat ride. The visitor center features a three-dimensional exhibit that takes visitors through the history of the path and the houses that comprised it.

Popular Experiences near Qala't Bu Mahir

Popular Hotels near Qala't Bu Mahir

Select Currency